Taking a long cruise in your car can be enjoyable in many ways. Whether you prefer scenery at 75 miles per hour or 15, these car care tips can help keep your trip carefree and fun.

Before You Take Off

No matter how bad you want to tear up some asphalt, make sure to inspect your vehicle first. A minor issue that you can easily fix could become a big problem during an extended drive. This is doubly important when planning long trips. 

Exterior Inspection

Walk around your vehicle and look for signs of leaking fluids or mechanical weakness, such as a piece of trim or hubcap working loose. 

Pop the Hood

Visually inspect the engine and engine compartment. How much you can do here depends on your comfort level. If you are worried about your ability to assess these parts, consult a more knowledgeable driver or mechanic for help.

Look for anything cracked, broken, or out of place. Check the fluid levels (oil, transmission, radiator, wipers). Eyeball the belts, hoses, and electrical cable for any sign of cracking, fraying, or uneven wear. Flex hoses and belts slightly and look for signs of cracking. This kind of check is even more important if you have installed any aftermarket performance car parts.

Battery 

Before you close the hood, check the battery if it is a non-electric car.

Visually inspect the positive and negative battery terminals. If you see damage, corrosion (white or colored fuzz/flakes), or fluid leaking from the battery, have it serviced right away. 

If your battery is older than three years, have it tested by a qualified service center. 

Lights

Check your turn signals in the front and back. 

Test your headlights on regular and high beams. 

Test your brake lights and reverse lights. 

Tires

Feel for loose hubcaps, lug nuts, or bolts. 

Use a tire pressure gauge to check tire pressure. Each pair should be at the pressure shown in the owner’s manual, adjusted for conditions.  

Suspension

Push down on a quarter panel and make sure the suspension moves smoothly and quietly. Squeaking springs, clunking shock absorbers, or creaking gas struts should be fixed right away. 

Undercarriage

A full visual inspection includes the undercarriage, so you can get on your knees, use an inspection mirror, or lift your vehicle, your choice. Look for broken exhaust brackets, hanging parts, and other surprises.

Interior Inspection

Your car wouldn’t have any trash in it, right? Clean it anyway. Wipe down the driver’s console, dashboard, glove compartment, storage pockets, and other recesses, and clean your windshield. 

Test Options and Services

Check your navigation system, connectivity, interior power outlets, and entertainment options. Don’t just turn them on; use the controls and make sure everything works. 

Test auxiliary USB ports and power connectors. If any are non-functional, it may indicate a problem with your electrical system. If you are unsure how to test them, find qualified help.

Fuel

Look at your fuel gauge. Make sure you have a full tank or plan to stop during your trip for a fill-up. Don’t forget fuel for yourself and your passengers – a road trip is the perfect excuse for going off a diet.  

Be Prepared 

A road trip can be an adventure, so be prepared for side quests! Here’s a list of typical interruptions and what might be necessary to deal with them. 

• Blocked road –  A chainsaw to cut limbs, tow cable/strap to pull heavy objects aside, and a shovel, depending on conditions.
• Window or windshield breaking – Plastic to cover the opening, and duct tape.
• Fastener failure – A piece of dangling trim or a broken door latch may require duct tape, bungee cords, wire ties, or other supplies.
• Stuck in mud/snow/sand – Many drivers carry an old towel or blanket, sand, shovel, tow cable/straps, warm clothing, emergency food, ice scrapers, and similar gear, for this kind of situation.
• Flat tires – Carry a good spare tire, tools, a jack, and an inflation device. 
• Lost – A paper map is good for backup.
• First Aid Kit – Check first aid kits regularly for missing pieces and out-of-date supplies.

Specials for Little Passengers

Children may not enjoy a leisurely drive in the same way as mom and dad. Make sure any toys, games, and devices you bring for their enjoyment have fresh batteries, and pack along their favorite snacks (or toy). 

If distraction doesn’t work, use the time to discuss road safety, how to read maps, area history, or play a road game.

Don’t forget diapers, antiseptic wipes, and medications, if necessary. 

Enjoy Yourself

Road trips are great for unpacking your head and destressing. While travel can be unpredictable, if you follow our suggestions, you’ll feel less stressed knowing you’ve done everything you can to ensure a safe and carefree ride. So get out there, inspect your car, and go for a ride!